Moderate risk of breast cancer at age 45

FormerMember over 4 years ago

2 replies
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I have recently had Genetic modelling carried out and based on my family history I have been assessed as having a moderate risk at 19%. (not had BRCA tests) I recently had a great scare where I found a large lump in my breast and was referred immediately for an appointment at the breast clinic. On this occasion I was informed that I had 2 5cms cysts which were drained on the day. This was a traumatic ordeal and has led me into looking at alternative preventive measures. I know that I am not suitable for elective mastectomy as I am not high risk but have researched having a breast reduction as I am large breasted. Has anybody got any information on this or even had this done.

GRANNY59 over 4 years ago

Hi Andrea5 welcome to the forum and sorry to hear how worried that you are.

I have read and re-read your post several times to make sure I haven't missed anything in it to enable me to compile a response for you.

Did the people who did the genetic modelling give you any contact for them to follow up about the risks for you and what if any course of action which may be necessary for you?
That must have been very scarey for you finding the lumps like that but it sounds like it was good news about the outcome of them being cysts. I have a friend who repeatedly has had cysts either drained or removed she does seem to be very prone to them.
Why would having a breast reduction reduce your risk? I'm not clear what makes you think that hence my query and it is maybe unnecessary surgery for you which I'm sure you don't want nor need. Did you find out through the research how this would reduce your risk at all.

I can direct you to the breast cancer forum if that is what you want. I will wait to hear back from you before I do that for you or you can look up the breast cancer forum on the Macmillan site and post there if that's any help for you.

Best Wishes for now. x

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to GRANNY59

Hi Granny59

Thank you do. such for getting in touch. To clarify some of the points you raised:

Due to my Grandmother, Mum and her 2 sisters dying of ovarian/breast cancer in their 40s and 50s the geneticist informed me that I was moderate risk and would only be a high risk if I tested positive for BRCA gene. I was offered the test but as my mum was terminally ill at the time she advised me to wait until I was in a better mind set. I am now in the process of contacting them to arrange for the test to be carried out. I was also prescribed tamoxifen but have decided not to take that as I am pre- menopause.

As I am large breasted it is something that I have always considered but following my research on the internet there does seem to be evidence from research that by having less tissues in the breast does appear to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer.

Hope this helps and fills in the gaps.

Thank you x